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Monday, June 4, 2012

Latino Veteran's group ask what happened to "Prosecutorial Discretion"

Beside having the highest number of deportations than any other President, Barack Obama promised to exercise "Prosecutorial Discretion" to assess favorable reviews of undocumented persons, in particular for those who have served in the United States military. This promise was made in 2011 and now it appears the President has stalled this effort, which is of concern to the American GI Forum, whose goal is to protect all veterans who have served in the armed forces. The following is an open letter from the American GI Forum California's State Commander, Willie Galvan to Associate Director for the White House Office of Public Engagement Julie C. Rodriguez:

June 2, 2012

White House Office of Public Engagement

Attn:
Julie C. Rodriguez, Associate Director

c/o White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, D.C.

RE: President’s
“Prosecutorial Discretion”

Deportation
of U.S. Military Veterans

Dear Ms. Rodriguez:

In mid-August, 2011, we received news that the
President would review over 300,000 cases then in deportation status, some
of which included persons and families involving United States military
veterans. Since then we have
understood that there would be two immediate consequences of the
President’s action.

First, we understood that once a particular
case was favorably “reviewed” the effected person would be entitled to
proceed with obtaining documentation to remain legally in the United
States.

Secondly, we understood that the President’s
administration would take reasonable steps to assure in advance that
similar persons, especially United States military veterans, would never
again be placed in jeopardy of deportation under such circumstances.

By this letter, I seek your attention to the
status of the President’s exercise of “Prosecutorial Discretion” as
announced. Of course, I would be
particularly interested in any report you might release to me about United
States military veterans in these circumstances. How many veterans received the promised
favorable “review”? What “steps” has
this administration taken to avoid jeopardy of deportation for United
States military veterans in such circumstances?

Also, please provide any public documents, or
references, directly responsive to my inquiry. Thank you in advance for your anticipated
prompt response.